Dear Parents/Guardian:

 

At this time, all Chicago public schools are talking the necessary precautions to inform parents and guardians with general information concerning Swine Influenza (Swine Flu).

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of Sunday, April 26, 2009 (12:45 ET) there have been no confirmed cases in the State of Illinois.

 

However, as a preventive measure, the district is working closely with local authorities at the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and asks that if your child becomes ill with flu-like symptoms, he/she should remain home from school. We also ask that you immediately notify your school principal of the student's absence.

 

If you suspect your child may have the flu, please contact your health care provider. The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptons of regular human flu and may include the following:

 

There are routine actions that can help prevent the spread of germs. Students are encouraged to take these everyday steps to protect their health:

 

We will continue to work closely with the Chicago Department of Public Health to monitor any unusual patterns of illness, and will provide updates as necessary.

 

Thank you for your attention and cooperation in this matter. For a national perspective on swine flu, information can be found at link below: 

 

Sincerely,

 

Ron Huberman, CEO

Chicago Public Schools

 

 

 

HEALTH INFORMATION

 

 

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it's possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person also.

 

Cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been confirmed in the United States. CDC, local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

 

In this swine flu virus contagious? 

CDC has detemined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it's not known how easily the virus spreads between people. 

 

The symotoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of a regular human flu and including fever, cough, score throat, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomitting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infections in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

 

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in human can vary in severity from to to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occuring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year old pregnant woman in Wiscousin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occured in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several and one death.

 

Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:

 

 

Yes. CDC recommends the use of osceltamivir (Tamiflu) or (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. Theymay also prevent seriousj flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

 

People with swine influenza virsus infection should be considered potentially as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children , especially youger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

 

There is no vaccine right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

 

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

 

 

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spreaded by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handed and cooked pork products is safe.